The International Ski and Snowboard Federation announced on Wednesday that athletes from Russia and Belarus can compete in the upcoming season under neutral status without displaying any national symbols. To participate in FIS competitions, athletes, coaches, and officials from these countries must sign a declaration of neutrality based on FIS principles, with the governing body warning of potential sanctions for non-compliance.
Following a ruling in December by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Russian skiers were cleared to compete in World Cup events in Alpine, cross-country, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding as they aim to qualify for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. The FIS ruling council has reaffirmed the neutral athlete policy for the upcoming winter season, emphasizing that athletes must compete as individuals without showcasing any country-specific symbols like flags, anthems, or uniforms.
Although Russian athletes and team officials are permitted to participate, obtaining visas to enter certain European countries that host World Cup races may present challenges for them.
